A Government minister has called on Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams to “actively assist” gardai in their investigation into the murder of IRA victim Brian Stack.

Foreign Affairs MInister Charlie Flanagan told independent.ie that Mr Adams has an “obligation” to assist investigators after it emerged he has the names of two Sinn Féin politicians allegedly involved in the murder.

Brian Stack was shot in the back of the neck by the IRA in DUblin in 1983 after attending boxing match.

The Chief Prison Officer in Portlaoise suffered brain damage and died from his injuries 18 months later.

The victim’s son Austin has vigorously campaign for justice and recently revealed that he has been told the names of two senior Sinn Féin politicians allegedly involved in his father’s murder.

Mr Adams admitted this week that he has been informed of the names but her not yet said if he has passed them on to gardai. Mr Adams said he was given the names by Mr Stack - a claim that has been disputed.

Mr Flanagan, a TD for Laois/Offaly, called on Mr Adams to contact the authorities immediately.

“Having regard to the fact that he has been given these names, he now has an obligation to actively assist the gardai in this murder inquiry,” Mr Flanagan told independent.ie.

“This was one of the most horrific, cold blooded, assassinations of the entire troubles period which took place south of the border. The handing over of the names should now facilitate Mr Adams making further inquiries and assisting gardai in their investigations.”

Independent.ie has sent in queries to the Sinn Fein press office that have yet to be answered.